Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Renee Bowen of www.reneebowen.com first appeared on the podcast in our start-of-the-year predictions episode, where some of the world’s best photography business coaches shared their insights.

In that episode, she talked about AI fatigue and how clients are craving real, authentic content—content created by you to showcase your true self, not some perfectly curated, made-up version of you.

In her photography business, she specialises in high-end luxury branding and portrait photography.

With a psychology degree, she knows how to get inside her clients’ heads, tap into what makes them unique, and combine that with her incredible photography skills to create personalised, next-level work.

Based in Los Angeles, she’s a married mother of three, host of the Tried & True With a Dash of Woo podcast, photography business coach, and course creator.

From the outside looking in, she’s running a successful photography business focusing on headshots, personal branding, and senior portraits.

In this interview, Renee shares how to create a profitable senior portrait photography business by creating images that sell and shooting what teens want and parents buy.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

Senior Portraits by Renee Bowen

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

By the time, if I've done my job right, by the time they sit down with me and we're going over their images, they already know they're getting an album, because I have pre sold that album multiple times, unconsciously throughout the process. – Renee Bowen

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

With Tiktok, don't overthink it. That's that's the first thing. Don't overthink it. Keep it short. The main thing with Tiktok is authenticity. Honestly, just lean into just being you. – Renee Bowen

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Renee shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

Tiktok is great for reach and visibility and reaching a lot of people. I get a lot of out of state clients from Tiktok specifically. – Renee Bowen

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Renee, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

The FREE training with Heather Lahtinen is coming up this week!

The Secret Weapon That Changes Everything: The #1 Tool for Levelling Up Your Photography Business

What if the key to success wasn’t just taking better photos, perfecting your pricing, or mastering more marketing strategies?

What if one simple mental tool could completely shift how you approach your business—and your results?

In this game-changing training, you’ll discover the same mental framework elite performers—entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and members of the armed forces—use to master their mindsets, overcome challenges, and achieve peak performance.

After the main presentation, Heather will be doing some live coaching with a few attendees while on the call and with everyone able to watch and listen in!

All the details and registration are here –> https://photobizx.com/model

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

I really believe it starts with their first interaction with you, whether it's going to be on your website, whether they found you on Google, or if they find you on Instagram or Tiktok. A lot of my clients find me on Tiktok and Instagram because that's where they are. – Renee Bowen

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

Our website really should be doing most of the heavy lifting for us. They need to see themselves in our brand. They need to want to be a part of it, because our website and our brand is not about us, it's about them, and so how they feel when they experience the brand. – Renee Bowen

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Renee Bowen Website

True With a Dash of Woo Podcast

Renee Bowen Instagram

Renee Bowen on Tiktok

2025 New Year Special – Photography Business Predictions by the Coaches – Part 2

Authenticity is a word that does get thrown around a lot…but it's it's really just about not being fake, because your senior clients are going to smell a fake a mile away. They don't want any part of that. And they want to know that you're a real person. – Renee Bowen

Thanks for tuning in! Massive thanks to Renee for openly sharing what it actually takes to grow a profitable senior portrait business. No fluff, no overnight success—just smart strategy, serious mindset shifts, and a tonne of intention behind every move. Proof that you don’t need to wait for the “right” market or perfect timing—you just need to back yourself and build something worth talking about. Hope you love this chat as much as I did!

I like to kind of keep my pricing pretty simple, because I really do think that an overwhelmed, confused brain is just going to shut down and it's not conducive. I just like to keep things pretty simple and clean. I don't like my ordering sessions to take more than about an hour, if possible. – Renee Bowen

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 611: Renee Bowen – Senior Portraits That Sell: What Teens Want, What Parents Buy appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

George Tatakis of  www.tatakis.com was a rare and beautiful find for this podcast episode. It's rare to feature a European photographer on the podcast, particularly a photographer who shoots in the style and income-producing strategy of George Takais.

After exchanging a few emails, I learned enough to ask him to do this interview. I'm pretty sure we can all learn something from his entrepreneurial spirit and go-getter attitude.

To give you a little background…

He's currently bringing in well over $100,000 Euro through photography.

He's based in Greece.

He shoots exclusively in black and white.

He has multiple income sources, including selling his work through a gallery in Geneva, photographic book sales through Amazon, licensing fees for using his photography in commercial applications, partnerships with a travel company, selling work through museum shops, mentoring and portfolio reviews, and commissioned work.

He left his job as an electrical engineer to chase his dream of being a photographer.

It was a hard slog, but photography is now his primary source of income.

In this interview, George shares how he has been able to turn a creative obsession into a thriving photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

Bride in Diafani, Olympos, Karpathos, Greece, by photographer George Tatakis

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

Business is the biggest part of the journey. I mean, I would say that 80 or 90% of my time goes to the business side, and then it's only 10 to 20% which is the creative side. And I know that many artists don't realize that, and I think I'm blessed in a way that I started as an engineer. – George Tatakis

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

I think filmmaking is a more lucrative work in these days. I think that even social media move toward this direction of videos. I also find YouTube to be an exciting place to be, because I think you do work that lingers on the platform, actually. So for example, you can do the video today, and after a couple of years, people will still be watching that video, which is not the case with other platforms. Also, there is more money in creating videos. – George Tatakis

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

GREECE. Thrace. Issakion. 2020

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what George shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

You have to be where the opportunity lies, and then wait for luck to strike and give you the opportunity that you want to take. – George Tatakis

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask George, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

Karagouna costumes of Trikala, Thessaly, Greece

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

I actually started by organizing a photo walk. Immediately after quitting my job, I thought to myself that if you want to be in this business, then you want to get to know people that revolve around photography. – George Tatakis

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

I would probably say that after five years, I started being able to fully fund the projects and be able to spend time in actual hotels myself. So I would say, like, for the first two years, maybe three, I was completely trying to do everything as free as possible, without hotels or that stuff. – George Tatakis

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

This week, a big shoutout to Donna Todd, who shoots equestrian photography art and was recently looked out of her Facebook account, finally got it back and has offered to help anyone who ever finds themselves in the same situation.

Here's the email chain we exchanged during her ordeal…

Hi Andrew, hope you're well.

I'm one of your subscribers and love your podcasts.

I am just writing to you in the hope that, with your vast network, you may be able to help me.

My Facebook was hacked without me knowing,

I have since found a fake page with my name and DOB, etc, that may have caused the problem.

As the fake hackers sent some of my friends, friend requests and my friends alerted me and took a screenshot of the fake page..

Facebook has disabled both my business account and personal account due to some dubious activity they were performing, which, as you can imagine, is very distressing.

They say I have 178 days to appeal, and I have tried through my Instagram page, which I still have.

Do you know of any Facebook experts who may be able to help me get my Facebook accounts back?

I have tried everything I can think of and even paid some guy who turned out to be a scammer.

All the best

I put Dona in touch with Richard Grenfell, who faced something similar and shares how he managed to get his accounts back here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1B69ed27NA&pp=ygUQcmljaGFyZCBncmVuZmVsbA%3D%3D 

Richard was invaluable and spoke with Donna but could not help her get her accounts back — he had faced and dealt with a different issue where hackers rang up a massive bill for FB Ads with his account!

Then, earlier this week, I learned that Donna had her account back! She shared the following details:

Hi Andrew,

It was a gruelling process, lol!

Firstly, I contacted a professional hacker who scammed me, charging an upfront fee and then telling me he had my account on a proxy and that if I wanted it, I would need to pay him triple the amount that I had already paid him…I refused and reported him to Meta. So needless to say, he didn’t help at all, so I definitely don’t advise anyone going down that path.

I still had my Instagram account, so I verified it by paying a fee of, I think, about $20 per month.

Once you are verified, there is support, and you can open a case with them there. I let them know that my account was hacked and that I was restricted and couldn’t gain access to my Facebook accounts.

Eventually, someone replied, and after weeks of answering the same questions, they finally gave me back my accounts.

I'd be happy to help anyone if it happens to them.

Dowry in Olympos, Karpathos by photographer George Tatakis

George Tatakis Website

George Tatakis on Facebook

George Tatakis on Instagram

George Tatakis on YouTube

95% is work, and then maybe five, up to 5% is luck. But this, you know, this small bit of luck goes a long way. – George Tatakis

Bride, Metaxades, Thrace, Greece, by photographer George Tatakis

Thanks for tuning in! Massive thanks to George for sharing the raw, real stories behind his creative journey. From sleeping in cars to landing exhibitions in major museums and airports. His path proves you don’t need a trust fund, perfect timing, or a Plan B—just obsession, grit, and a deep belief that this is what you’re meant to do. What an inspiration.

I think that in this kind of in this line of work, if you are not extremely excited about creating art, then business will not work. – George Tatakis

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

George Tatakis with Nea Vyssa Girls

I had the realization how business workw before starting to pursue something in art. I think people that start by going to a fine art school, for example, don't take into consideration the business part or the marketing that is needed. I think this can be the problem for them. – George Tatakis

The post 610: George Tatakis – Turning Creative Obsession Into a Thriving Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Brooke Jefferson of www.brookejefferson.com/photography was first featured in the Coaches Predictions episode that kicked off in 2025, where she said that Behind The Scenes Content (BTS) will be a game changer for photographers this year.

She knows exactly what it takes to turn a passion for photography into a thriving business. She is a photographer, business coach, and Book More Clients Photography podcast host.

She first picked up a camera in 2014, with a baby on her hip and a borrowed camera, hoping to earn extra income for her family. What started as a side hustle quickly turned into a full-time career, and by 2018, she left her job as a teacher to go all in with photography.

One of her coaching clients, Loretta, says…

“Best investments I've made for my business. I've tried a couple of other photography coaches, and while they shared some valuable information, Brooke is 100% the secret sauce.”

With over a decade behind the camera and six years as a coach, Brooke is walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

In this interview, Brooke shares how living in a small town doesn't mean you can't have a booked-out photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

My dream session is when a client reaches out and they want me to photograph them on their own property, whether that's their ranch or their farm. And the best part is when we can't drive to the location. We have to ride the ATVs. That is my favourite thing to do. So we get a little bit of fun and adventure. – Brooke Jefferson

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

I have to know your booking goal. I have to know your revenue goal. That is the very first place I start. From there, I dig into what you already have. And typically where people want me to start is their pricing and packages. So that's the very next place I'll go. – Brooke Jefferson

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Brooke shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

Networking, networking, networking. The things that photographers don't want to do, because it is so easy to type up a social media post, cross your fingers and hope you get bookings, it is so much harder to leave your house and actually go and talk to real humans and get your name out there, your business cards, things like that. But it can be done. – Brooke Jefferson

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Brooke, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

I am heavily relying on happy clients to keep my name going in the community. – Brooke Jefferson

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

Something that I am passionate about teaching, that works really well for me, is getting very involved in my community. I'm trying to make it to local events, partnering with business owners, things like that. So I try to market my business in a variety of ways so that the leads are always coming in. – Brooke Jefferson

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Brooke Jefferson Website

Brooke Jefferson on Instagram

Work with Brooke Jefferson

Book More Photography Clients Podcast

Voxer

Thanks for listening! A huge shoutout to Brooke for keeping it real and pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a lasting photography business. From a borrowed camera to six-figure success, her story is proof that you don’t need a big city, fancy gear, or a backup plan—just purpose, strategy, and a whole lot of grit.

Show the best of the best. Don't show them all, especially when you're newer, you're going to need more content. You're going to have to re-share these sessions again while you're building your clientele, so just don't show everything all at once. – Brooke Jefferson

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 609: Brooke Jefferson – How a Small-Town Photographer Built a Booked-Out Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Joe Jenkins of www.joejenkinsphoto.com sent one of the best interview requests I've received in the 12 years since starting the podcast.

The subject line read:

How a scam on Craigslist kicked off my full-time, professional photography career in NYC.

Then, the email…

My name is Joe, and I’m a full-time photographer in New York City.

I fell into photography after a talent agency tried to scam me into buying a $1000 headshot session, and I decided to start taking my own. I wasn't even a photographer at the time.

Since entering the profession in 2013, I’ve opened a studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where I do fashion, headshots, event and commercial work. I currently shoot for some of the largest brands and modelling agencies in the world.

This year I photographed Reese Witherspoon for Docusign, Jeff Bezos for Oxford University, the head of Samsung North America and Eli Manning for other brands.

I was hooked, but I wanted to clarify a few things before inviting him on for an interview and make sure there was going to be something in this for you, the listener, beyond a great-sounding story.

I learned he is a full-time photographer, his sole income source.

Before COVID, he earned about 150k/year, but his business dried up until his recovery in 2023.

He currently does over 100k between headshots, event work, and fashion photography, though he expects he'll be back to 150k and beyond this year or 2026.

In this entertaining interview, Joe shares how he went from a Craigslist scam to a six-figure photographer.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

Scammed Into a Career – A dodgy Craigslist ad stole his money. Instead of giving up, Joe grabbed a camera and built a career.

NYC Photography is Brutal – If you’re not hustling, you’re invisible. Joe cracked the code by adapting fast and stacking income streams.

Fashion Photography is a Long Game – Want to shoot fashion? Get ready for unpaid “test” shoots—Joe invested years before the paid gigs rolled in.

Big Money is in Advertising – Headshots keep the lights on, but Joe’s playing for seven-figure ad campaigns.

Smart Free Work Opens Doors – Shooting for top modelling agencies = instant credibility. Done right, it leads to paying clients.

One Revenue Stream = Disaster – Joe juggles headshots, events, fashion, and commercial work. One fails? The others keep cash flowing.

Marketing That Actually Works – Google ads, social media, referrals—Joe figured out the formula for a steady flow of clients.

Sales Skills = More Profit – Simple pricing, smart upsells, and giving clients what they actually need = bigger paydays.

Work Fast, Earn More – A 15-minute LinkedIn headshot session? Done. When your workflow is dialled in, you don’t need to grind.

No Plan B. All In. – 100-hour weeks, a Brooklyn studio, and zero backup plans—Joe made it work because failure wasn’t an option.

Networking That Doesn’t Suck – A casual bar convo landed Joe a gig on Ink Masters. The best connections aren’t made at “networking events.”

Hard Work Wins – Adapt, persist, and keep showing up. That’s the real secret to making it in photography.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

The phrase fashion doesn't pay is, actually very literal, because it's such a competitive field that you work for free for a very long time. – Joe Jenkins

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

I had $100,000 in the bank going into COVID Now, now I'm deeply in debt, and it's fine. The fortunate thing about photography is that if you can find the work, it's a very well paying field. It's extremely well paying field. It's just finding the work, it's just running it as a business, but it's still tough. I'm not gonna lie, especially becasue I had to pretty much rebuild from scratch after COVID, and it's still very much a hustle. – Joe Jenkins

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Joe shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I feel part of the reason I work so much is because I feel like I'm close to breaking out. I feel like I can see this the finish line, and I'm sprinting towards it. – Joe Jenkins

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Joe, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

Eventually you get to the point where your test work is so good that you start getting paid, which is where I'm at, but it's still pretty inconsistent. I still do a ton of free work. – Joe Jenkins

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

My best advice as a photographer is to just diversify your revenue streams, or just try to really keep your source of business diverse. – Joe Jenkins

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Joe's website — Headshots NYC

Joe Jenkins Event Photographer NYC

Joe Jenkins on Instagram

Joe Jenkins on Facebook

The end game for me is to not make $1,000 a day, even though that's awesome. Like $1,000 a day is not bad money anywhere in the world, but my end game is to make seven figures off of my work. – Joe Jenkins

Thanks for tuning in! Big thanks to Joe for keeping it real on what it takes to succeed—hustling, marketing, and knowing your worth. From getting scammed to building a six-figure business, Joe's story highlights how strategic moves (and a no-plan-B mindset), you can make it happen.

If you do what a photographer does, there is no better dollar on the planet than advertising money. – Joe Jenkins

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 608: Joe Jenkins – From Craigslist Scam to Six-Figure Photographer appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Heather Lahtinen of https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/ first appeared on my radar when Wisconsin Dog Photographer and Premium Member Jan Bezzo recommended her.

Jan emailed to tell me that she'd been coached by Heather in the past and would do so again, hopefully soon. Heather is no-nonsense and realistic but always treats people with integrity and kindness.

Jan added…

Heather just doesn't accept that “nothing is working” and helps you look at challenges from different perspectives, then works with you to troubleshoot.

And Heather will give you tough love if needed.

That was enough for me. Following that, Heather first appeared on the podcast in the coaches' predictions episode at the start of the year.

I looked forward to discussing business, marketing, and mindset with this motivated and passionate coach behind The Flourish Academy and her Elevate program.

In this interview, Heather shares why your photography business isn’t growing (And How to Fix It).

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

I don't tolerate excuses or reasons or circumstances or like the sky is falling or the weather or the economy or anything like that. That's never going to fly with me. – Heather Lahtinen

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

I am a compassionate Navy SEAL. It's like someone who's like in your face yelling at you get up. Oh, but you know, I understand where you're coming from. It's hard to get up, and I've got you, but it's time to go, because we're done messing around. – Heather Lahtinen

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Heather shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

Essentially, I want to create what Malcolm Gladwell calls sneezers. Sneezers are people who are infected with your business and they love you so much they're telling everyone. – Heather Lahtinen

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Heather, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

When I get inquiries and they don't book right after I raise my prices, here's what I'm going to choose to think, because your brain's going to go haywire, and it's going to say, What have I done? I've ruined my business. I better drop the prices. – Heather Lahtinen

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

I have been in business for over 22 years. That means five presidential administrations, a major housing market crash, a couple of recessions in COVID, and I've never had a problem. And I don't think that's because I'm like, different or special at all. I think it's just because I don't allow circumstance to dictate my results, like there is no circumstance that could happen in the world or to me that could prevent me from moving none. – Heather Lahtinen

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

151 Ways to Get Clients in Your Photography Business Free PDF

Elevate Your Photography Business Website

Flourish Academy Coaching

Flourish Academy on iTunes

Flourish Academy on Spotify

Flourish Academy on Instagram

If you make your clients happy, if they are your number one priority, you can almost run… a lot of your referrals in your business can be run from that, and then you're killing two birds with one stone. – Heather Lahtinen

Thanks for tuning in! Massive thanks to Heather for cutting through the fluff and getting real about what actually moves the needle. Success in photography isn’t just about taking great photos—it’s about backing yourself, owning your pricing, and making smart, strategic moves. Heather laid it all out, from ditching excuses to doubling your rates with confidence. If you’re ready to stop playing small, charge what you’re worth, and build a business that works for you, this episode is the perfect fit,

My thoughts are, if you are not where you want to be in business, revenue, growth, whatever, it has to be one of two problems… it is either a math problem, like my pricing or number of clients, right? It's a math problem or it's a thought problem. And all problems are thought problems, okay? – Heather Lahtinen

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 607: Heather Lahtinen – Why Your Photography Business Isn’t Growing (And How to Fix It) appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Caitlin McColl of www.ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au and www.tailsoftheworld.com is one of Australia's best pet photographers! Her work first caught my eye over ten years ago, and we followed up with episode number 24 of the podcast, where she shared the details of working with pet shelters — I listened back to part of that recording this morning, and oh my god, we both sound so young!

We later followed up by recording episode 282 where we dived deep into her photography books as a marketing and sales tool.

I've asked her back today, following a recent email where she wrote…

G'day Andrew,

I'm just sitting here editing and listening to the podcast and decided I really need to send you a thank you.

I'm coming out the other side of a four year postpartum depression haze and having spent those years just doing bare minimum to keep my business afloat and family fed, I was feeling lost and uninspired in business.

But I knew EXACTLY where I needed to go to reinvigorate myself and as always Photobizx didn't disappoint. I've spent the last few weeks binge listening, and for the first time in a long time, I feel enthused about work again.

I asked if she'd feel up to talking about her experiences.

Caitlin said yes, and in this interview, she shares her experience of postpartum depression to rebuilding a thriving photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

I'm coming out the other side of a four-year postpartum depression haze, and having spent those years just doing the bare minimum to keep my business afloat and my family fed, I was feeling lost and uninspired in business, but I knew exactly where I needed to go to reinvigorate myself. – Caitlin McColl

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

Rather than saying, Hey, can I talk to you about pet photography? My line is, Oh, would you like to win a pet photo shoot? Would you like to win a photo shoot with your dog? And nine out of 10 people are gonna say ‘no'. – Caitlin McColl

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Caitlin shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I feel like I'm really excited about my business, and I'm really excited for changes, and I want to work on it, rather than just doing the shoots and whatever I need to do to get by. So yeah, I can feel my like myself again, not like my old self. You never go back to your old self once you had kids, as you know, but I can feel my spirit back. It's really nice. – Caitlin McColl

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Caitlin, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

I've always been so geeky and passionate about automation and efficiency and productivity all that kind of stuff. But through the last four years, the importance of also being able to outsource became really, really apparent. – Caitlin McColl

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

Every other year I have done this. I sell a loss leader discounted session voucher, and sell maybe 40 sessions. The sales of those cover the stall fee. – Caitlin McColl

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Tails of the World

Ragamuffin Pet Photography Website

Ragamuffin Pet Photography on Facebook

Ragamuffin Pet Photography on Instagram

Ragamuffin Melbourne Pet Photography on YouTube

Focused on Time Podcast

Online Jobs PH

Episode 24: Caitlin McColl – The Business of Pet Photography Success

Episode 282: Caitlin McColl – How to run profitable book projects for portrait and pet photographers

Episode 559: Karinda Kinsler – Why you need to treat every photography client like a $20,000 client

Thanks for tuning in! Huge thanks to Caitlin for sharing her journey and game-changing insights. Her story proves success isn’t just about great photos—it’s about mindset, smart moves, and taking action. If you’re serious about growing a sustainable photography business, this is the stuff that matters.

One of the big things that I've learnt through this is the importance of all my eggs not being in my own basket. – Caitlin McColl

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 606: Caitlin McColl – From Postpartum Depression to Rebuilding a Thriving Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Jeff Brown of www.thephotographersmentor.com needs no introduction if you've been listening for any time!

He's appeared on the podcast multiple times, focusing mainly on LinkedIn and utilising that platform to attract and book clients.

He also has a couple of courses on PhotoBizx—one on LinkedIn with a very recent update and another on building a high-converting and very simple website, recently mentioned by Richard Grenfell in his Advertise Like a MoFo course.

His primary focus is Photography Business Mentoring, Accountability, and support, where he works with photographers worldwide.

In addition to all that, he has published multiple books for photographers, which you can find on Amazon, including:

The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100-Day Daily Self Help Diary—the perfect stepping-off point to kick-start your year.

In this interview, Jeff shares the business failure that changed everything—and what you can learn from it to grow your photography business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

There's no such thing as a goal that is too big, because the process of achieving a big goal is exactly the same processes of achieving a small goal. It's just the time span is different. – Jeff Brown

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

Realize that…not everything is bad as it initially seems….remember that there's so many people in the world who you influence and rely on you and love you and care about you…speak to somebody, take professional advice. – Jeff Brown

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Jeff shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I had a breakdown 10 years ago, and had a pub venture that went completely wrong…and that actually led me to running away…because I felt like a complete failure. And from that point, I had to reset my life. – Jeff Brown

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Jeff or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

Last year was a shocker. The last 4yrs even!

Let’s not sugarcoat the fact that it has been challenging and that there has been a lot of uncertainty in the market.

So why have some businesses struggled and some thrived?

It all comes down to mindset, habit and our distorted view of reality (Johl will explain more in the training).

In the training. Johl will share:

When: Thursday, February 27th @ 7AM AEDT – your local time is here

Cost: FREE

Recording? Yes, if you are registered, I'll have a recording available after the live training with free access. If you're not registered for the live training, the cost will be USD$47.

REGISTER HERE: https://learn.photobizx.com/unblock-your-business-registration/

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

Now, 10 years later, I look back and realise that that was the best failure I ever had in my life, because it's changed my direction. – Jeff Brown

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

I'm making sure that I'm directing my product and myself as a brand towards pet lovers… I'm not just a pet photographer, I'm a pet expert in a way. – Jeff Richards

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

I've always said that if you listen to the podcast without implementing anything you hear, it's purely entertainment and not the business resource it should and could be. 

★★★★★  Four reviews with one simple idea!

Late last week, I received an email from a premium member and Las Vegas corporate event, convention and conference photographer Adrienne Angelo.

She listened to the recent interview with Noel Marcantel, who talked about using a QR code that people scan at his business.

I will try this tomorrow at a headshot station for a business with about 14 people who need new headshots.

Fast forward a couple of days later, and Adrienne messaged me to say… “4 reviews at my 1st business today ”

Jeff Brown The Photographer's Mentor Website

The Photographer's Mentor on Facebook

Jeff Brown on LinkedIn

Jeff Brown on Amazon

The Ambitious Photographer's Journal – Overcome Procrastination and Grow Your Photography Business Faster, 52 Week Photography Business Success by Jeff Brown

The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100 Day Daily Self Help Diary by Jeff Brown

The Photographer's Gratitude & Mindset Journal, Develop a Positive Routine for Happiness and Improved Self Belief: Your 100 Day Daily Self Help Diary by Jeff Brown

Episode 397: Richard Grenfell – The Coaching Diaries with Steve Saporito

Episode 549: Richard Grenfell – The successful and profitable move from family to boudoir photography 

025 Premium Only Episode: Johl Dunn – Facebook Ad tactics with competitions and third party alliances

Episode 330: Johl Dunn – How to create a money making portrait photography business

Episode 526: Johl Dunn – Modern day marketing and success for portrait photographers

Episode 556: Johl Dunn – Unlock Your Photography Business Potential and Stop 

Unblock Your Photography Business – FREE TRAINING

Thanks for tuning in! A huge thank you to Jeff for sharing his invaluable insights and personal stories on building a successful photography business. His journey proves that success isn’t just about taking great photos—it’s about mindset, strategy, and consistent action. Whether mastering your niche, attracting high-value clients, or staying resilient through setbacks, Jeff’s advice is a game/life-changer for any photographer looking to grow their business successfully.

Life is a massive roller coaster, and it's all about having more ups than downs, because you're going to have downs anyway, right? But you're going to get back up there. – Jeff Brown

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 605: Jeff Brown – The Business Failure That Changed Everything—And What You Can Learn From It appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Belinda Richards of www.belindarichards.com popped up on my radar following a beautiful email from PhotoBizX premium member and German-based photographer Birgit Zimmerman.

I jumped over to check out today's guest's website, and OMG… SO GOOD!

Her website is filled with humour in the form of copy, images, and a video on the home page—which is fantastic.

In addition to all that, her photography is first-class. And you'd expect nothing less when you see the number of awards she has earned, including the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Australian Pet Photographer of the Year!

All her photography is done in studio.

She started her working life as a dog groomer. Later, she completed her diploma in photography, which led to a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

And today, she is the proud owner of what looks to be an incredible business: Frog Dog Studios.

In this interview, among other things, Belinda shares her game changing strategies for attracting the right photography clients to her business.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

Awards build trust & boost SEO – Win credibility, attract premium clients, and get free publicity.

Niching is your secret weapon – Specialising (like pet photography) makes you stand out and scale faster.

Stop getting ghosted – Clear pricing and pre-shoot consults turn inquiries into bookings.

Gear won’t grow your business – Business coaching and financial skills will.

Profit and creativity can coexist – Charge what you’re worth with smart business decisions.

Awards aren’t just for bragging – They open doors to media coverage and premium clients.

Want better SEO? Get featured – Media coverage (like Forbes) boosts rankings and leads.

Make journalists notice you – Build relationships and get easy media coverage.

Press releases falling flat? – Write them in a way that actually gets picked up.

More gear ≠ more success – Coaching grew revenue to $205K—without a new camera.

Earn more, work less – Scaling down to $130K meant more balance and fulfilment.

Attract your dream clients – An exclusive model lets you work less and earn more.

Love photographing dogs? – A dog-only studio turned into a thriving business.

Admin killing your time? – The right CRM, accounting tools, and automation fix that.

Hate phone calls? – Email and text make bookings way easier.

Want a fully booked calendar? – Two key promotions locked in a year of bookings.

No clients yet? – Portfolio-building promotions get you booked fast.

Viral success isn’t luck – One “Footy Dog” shoot led to massive exposure.

High-end pricing, big results – “Grow Sessions” turned puppies into $5,200 bookings.

Learn from the best – Get insights from top industry mentors and workshops.

A welcome video changes everything – A government grant made it happen—here’s how.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

I initially started entering awards because… I leveraged free publicity… of bringing trust, and then people start to know you as the expert in your field. – Belinda Richards

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

One of the things that I did know, because I had previously owned businesses, is that I needed to pay for help, not buy a new camera. – Belinda Richards

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Belinda shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I never get on the phone to my clients. Everything is done by email and text message. They book online. They're, you know, get they pay online, apart from when they, you know, they come in here for the ordering appointment.- Belinda Richards

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Belinda or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

Last year was a shocker. The last 4yrs even!

Let’s not sugarcoat the fact that it has been challenging and that there has been a lot of uncertainty in the market.

So why have some businesses struggled and some thrived?

It all comes down to mindset, habit and our distorted view of reality (Johl will explain more in the training).

In the training. Johl will share:

When: Thursday, February 27th @ 7AM AEDT – your local time is here

Cost: FREE

Recording? Yes, if you are registered, I'll have a recording available after the live training with free access. If you're not registered for the live training, the cost will be USD$47.

REGISTER HERE: https://learn.photobizx.com/unblock-your-business-registration/

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

It is more about refining your voice, like I really enjoy art and art history and things like that. And I think that education in the fine art degree that I did at RMIT has really helped me in creating the artworks that I do… – Belinda Richards

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

I'm making sure that I'm directing my product and myself as a brand towards pet lovers… I'm not just a pet photographer, I'm a pet expert in a way. – Belinda Richards

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Here are the latest reviews…

★★★★★ Incredibly Useful!

Via Apple Podcasts by London-based documentary photographer Gary Williams, in the United Kingdom on February 8th, 2025.

I’ve enjoyed Andrew’s podcast for a long time (and finally had the honour of being a guest last year).

I just love how super practical and useful Andrew makes each interview.

He asks the questions that we photographers really want answered.

Thank you, Andrew!

★★★★★ I’m always learning from your guests

Via Apple Podcasts by Western Australian rural photographer Caro Telfer, in Australia on February 11th, 2025.

The latest instalment sounds like an episode I need to listen to! But what I find is that even the podcasts I think don’t relate to me at all—boudoir, pet photography, etc.—always have something valuable to teach me, whether it’s about customer service, CRM, or marketing strategies.

Thanks, Andrew, as always, for the best photography business podcast available!

Caro was also featured on the podcast: 529: Caro Telfer – How to Generate an Income with Stock Photography

Belinda Richards Website

Frog Dog Studios Website

Frog Dog Studios on Facebook

Frog Dog Studios on Instagram

No one gets to have a session with me unless they're prepared to come to full consultation first… And then they come back to actually do an IPS design and ordering appointment… they actually hit my studio four times before they actually take their artwork home and and hang it on the wall. – Belinda Richards

Unblock Your Photography Business – FREE TRAINING

Thanks for listening! A massive thank you to Belinda for sharing her invaluable insights on growing a profitable photography business. From nailing your niche to booking high-paying clients, she’s proof that success isn’t just about taking great photos—it’s about making smart, strategic moves that actually grow your business.

I'm immersing myself in the pet industry, not the photography industry. – Belinda Richards

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 604: Belinda Richards – Game Changing Strategies to Attract the Right Photography Clients appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Vanessa German of www.vannfineart.com and her photography business was a bit of an enigma to me. I was excited to dive in and learn more about what I believe is an incredibly successful business… but I just wasn't sure.

Here's some background…

The photography on her website is exquisite.

It's studio-based and classic in how her subjects have been lit, posed, and framed.

Her clients all look happy, mostly looking down the lens and smiling. I'd also describe them as looking wealthy, like they can afford to invest in a luxury experience.

Her Instagram and Facebook accounts appear to take a back seat with few posts, the last one on Facebook being over four months ago and Instagram a month ago.

I can't see any current ads running.

I know she's had sales over the $10,000 mark. Whenever I read her comments or posts in the PhotoBizX Members Facebook Group, they scream business savvy, intelligent and realistic business operator to me.

In this interview, Vanessa shares how living in a small town doesn't exclude you from big profits and how to build a thriving photography business, no matter where you're based.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

My focus is on being a six figure salary studio, not a six figure revenue studio. – Vanessa German

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

I would rather be one woman show and outsource as much as I can and run really lean and efficient because that's just so much less stress for me. – Vanessa German

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Vanessa shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

I do find that the auction system, I call it, or the Golden Circle of giving. I do find that to be one of my most successful marketing plans, because it is one way that I can bring people to my studio that don't live near me. So I can bring them from a farther distance to me. – Vanessa German

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Vanessa or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

I found as my children grew and my personal life changed, my focus shifted also, what I felt was more important changed over that time. – Vanessa German

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

My client avatar is someone who values what I do. So that can look like a lot of different things. – Vanessa German

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Vanessa German Website

Vanessa German Fine Art on Instagram

Vanessa German Fine Art on Facebook

Episode 476: Arica Dorff – How to have your own photography supported road tripping adventure

Projector People

Episode 595: Claire Thomas – Chasing stories and an income as a documentary and fine art photographer

Free Download from Vanessa — The Auction Program Essentials Checklist

Thanks for listening! Huge thanks to Vanessa for sharing her game-changing insights on building a profitable photography business. From attracting the right clients to running a smarter, more efficient studio, she’s proof that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about making smart business moves.

To be successful no matter where you are, at some point you have to transition from being the artist to being a business person. If you don't make that transition, you'll just continue to chase your art. – Vanessa German.

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 603: Vanessa German – How to build a small town thriving photography business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

Noel Marcantel of www.noelmarcantel.com first appeared in the recent Studio Special episode of the podcast, where we explored the benefits and pitfalls for photographers looking to work from a studio space.

He is a prominent headshot, branding, and editorial photographer based in New Orleans.

His work has been featured in huge publications, including Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal.

He says that his point of difference in the world of headshot and branding photography is that he uses expression coaching with his clients to get the images they need.

And I love how he describes a headshot as a digital handshake with a potential client.

His studio space is a street-front studio that looks like an incredible workplace — complete with a full-sized and newly rebuilt cyc wall.

In this in-depth interview, Noel shares his headshot pricing and business strategy that earns $3,000+ per session!

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

What's your excuse? So what do you love? And then make your career your excuse to do that thing. – Noel Marcantel

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

I was leaving so much money on the table. – Noel Marcantel

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Noel shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

The best time, best time to raise your rates is whenever you're overbooked. – Noel Marcantel

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Noel or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

They don't know what you have to offer until you show it to them. – Noel Marcantel

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help both me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

I'm huge on Google Reviews. I'm the second, second most reviewed photographer in Louisiana, commercial photographer in Louisiana, I've got a post it note with a goal on my desk to ask for more reviews so that I can become the most reviewed commercial photographer in Louisiana. – Noel Marcantel

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Here is the latest review…

★★★★★ Incredible and beautiful new clients

Via email by business and litigation lawyer, podcaster and legal expert for small business owners, Tracey Mylecharane, in Australia on February 3rd, 2025.

Hi Andrew,

I hope you are really well and have enjoyed a terrific start to the year.

I’m just reaching out to say hi, and to let you know that since appearing on your podcast I have met some incredible and beautiful new clients who are listeners/followers of yours. You have attracted some fabulous business owners, Andrew, who speak so highly of you and who truly value all that you do.

I really am very grateful to have been part of your podcast, and to have met so many great people from your community.

Wishing you a stellar year ahead!

Kindest

NOTE: To hear Tracey's interview on PhotoBizX, click here: 539: Tracey Mylecharane – Legal advice for photography business owners

Noel Marcantel Website

Noel Marcantel Photography 3D Space

Noel Marcantel on Instagram

Noel Marcantel on Facebook

Noel Marcantel Photography on LinkedIn

Noel Marcantel on LinkedIn

Episode 589: Photography Studio Special 2 – Buying and leasing advice for photographers looking at studio ownership

Episode 292: Michael Schacht – Advanced Facebook Ads for Headshot Photographers

Episode 145: Peter Hurley – How To Survive and Thrive as a Headshot Photographer

Episode 158: Chris Gillett – From Successful Lawyer to Full Time Headshot Photographer

Thanks for tuning in! A huge shoutout to Noel for sharing his insights on building a thriving headshot and branding photography business. From mastering expression coaching to refining his pricing strategy and creating a high-end client experience, Noel proves that success comes from both skill and smart business decisions.

It's not about the light, it's about directing somebody to get their personality out. – Noel Marcantel

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon

The post 602: Noel Marcantel – The Headshot Pricing & Business Strategy That Earns $3,000+ Per Session appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.